The shortest path to a usable Canadian credit score: open a newcomer bank account, get a credit card the same day (newcomer or secured), use it for 1-2 small purchases per week, and pay the full balance via autopay before each statement closes. Most newcomers reach a 650+ score in 6-9 months and a 720+ score in 18-24 months.

You just landed in Canada. You might have had an 800 credit score back home, a mortgage, a stack of credit cards — none of it matters here. Canadian credit bureaus don't recognize foreign credit history (the only partial exception is some HSBC and Scotiabank cross-border programs, and even those don't transfer the actual score). You're starting from scratch. Here's how to build a strong Canadian score as fast as possible, what to avoid, and the timeline you can realistically expect.

How Credit Works in Canada (The Basics)

Canada has two credit bureaus: Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. Every time you borrow money or use credit, the lender reports your activity to one or both bureaus. They compile this into a credit report and calculate a score between 300 and 900. You're entitled to a free credit report from each bureau once a year — request both, they often disagree on small details.

Step 1: Open a Bank Account (Day 1)

Before you can build credit, you need a Canadian bank account. Most major banks have newcomer programs with free accounts for the first year or two:

• RBC: Free newcomer chequing for 1 year + bonus offers
• TD: New to Canada package with waived fees for up to 2 years
• Scotiabank: StartRight program with fee waivers
• CIBC: Newcomer banking bundle with no monthly fees for 1 year

Compare all options in our best bank for newcomers guide. You can often open an account before you even arrive in Canada.

Step 2: Get Your First Credit Product (Month 1)

Option A: Newcomer Credit Card (Best Option)

Several banks offer credit cards specifically for newcomers with no Canadian credit history required. These are unsecured cards — no deposit needed — with limits typically starting at $500–$2,000.

The key: apply at the same bank where you opened your chequing account. Having deposits there strengthens your application. See our credit card comparison to find the right card.

Option B: Secured Credit Card

If you can't get a newcomer card, a secured credit card is your fallback. You put down a deposit (usually $300–$500) and that becomes your credit limit. It works exactly like a regular credit card and reports to the credit bureaus the same way. After 12–18 months of good use, most banks will upgrade you to an unsecured card and return your deposit.

Step 3: Use Your Card the Right Way (Months 1–12)

Having a credit card isn't enough — you need to use it correctly. Five factors determine your credit score:

The Golden Rules

• Pay your full balance every month — not just the minimum. This avoids interest and shows responsible use.
• Keep utilization under 30% — on a $1,000 limit, never carry more than $300. Under $100 is even better.
• Set up autopay — one missed payment can tank a new credit score.
• Use the card regularly — even small purchases (coffee, gas) count. An unused card doesn't build history as effectively.

Step 4: Add More Credit Types (Months 6–12)

After 6 months with your first card, consider adding one more credit product to diversify your credit mix:

• Phone plan on contract: Rogers, Bell, and Telus report to credit bureaus. A postpaid phone plan is an easy second credit line.
• Second credit card: A different bank's card adds another reporting source. Wait until you have 6+ months of history before applying.
• Small line of credit: Some banks offer $1,000–$5,000 personal lines of credit to customers with a few months of history.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Score

• Maxing out your card: Even if you pay it off monthly, if your statement posts with a 90%+ utilization, that's what the bureau sees.
• Applying for too many products at once: Each application creates a hard inquiry. More than 2–3 in a short period looks desperate to lenders.
• Only paying the minimum: You won't get penalized credit-wise, but you'll pay 20%+ interest on the remaining balance. Always pay in full.
• Closing your first card: Your oldest account is the anchor of your credit history length. Keep it open even if you stop using it regularly.
• Not checking your credit report: You can get a free credit report from Equifax and TransUnion once a year. Errors happen — check for incorrect late payments or accounts you didn't open.

Timeline: What to Expect

This assumes you're following all the rules above — paying on time, keeping utilization low, and not applying for too much too fast. One missed payment can set you back 3–6 months.

Bottom Line

Building credit in Canada isn't hard, but it requires patience and consistency. Get a card, use it for small purchases, pay it off in full every month, and wait. In 12 months you'll have a solid score. In 24 months you'll qualify for the best rates in the country.

Start with our landing checklist if you're new to Canada, and see our best bank for newcomers to pick the right bank account. For more on credit-building specifics, the FCAC's credit reports and scores guide is the official Government of Canada explainer.